Have you booked your first trip to Turks and Caicos? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of mouth watering restaurants to choose from? Not to worry, we have you covered. Our list of 13 Must Try Restaurants In TCI For First Time Visitors will help you make some excellent (and delicious) choices.
Turks and Caicos is obviously best known for it's turquoise waters and white sandy shorelines, but anyone who's been before, knows that it's also one of the Caribbeans best places to eat. Our list of 13 Must Try Restaurants In Turks and Caicos For First Time Visitors, features international and local island traditions. You won't be disappointed in your meal at any of these dining establishments.
With all but a few exceptions, we've complied this list keeping the main tourist area of Grace Bay in mind. Many of these restaurants are walking distance within the Grace Bay area, while a couple of them you will need to rent a car or hop in a taxi. But trust us, those ones will be worth it!
13 MUST TRY RESTAURANTS IN TCI FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
In alphabetical order
BAY BISTRO
Quintessential Caribbean decor coupled with a tantalizing menu is how we'd describe Bay Bistro. One of the best views for dining in Providenciales, Bay Bistro offers a wide array of menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From burgers and tacos, to jerk lamb chops, Bay Bistro excels at hearty and delicious cuisine. Bay Bistro is also on of our Most Romantic Restaurants list, so if you're looking for a fancy and not too fussy night out, we highly recommend Bay Bistro.
BELLA LUNA
Picky eaters in your group? Then Bella Luna is for you. All your favorite Italian pasta dishes from Spaghetti and Cheese Ravioli to Linguine Marechiaro (Kerry's fave). And for those who don't want to try anything too out of the ordinary, there's an entire pizza menu! Now don't get us wrong, their pizza is anything BUT ordinary! Choose from red or white sauce and an array of classic and unique toppings to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters in your group. Bella Luna is a great spot if you're looking for a laid back Italian dinner.
COCO BISTRO
Coco Bistro needs no introduction. Dine in the middle of a Palm Tree Grove that’s lit up with millions of twinkle lights. If you're looking for a great spot for a special occasion on your fist trip to Turks and Caicos, this is it. Arrive early and have a cocktail at the bar before being seated, then feast the night away on some spectacular island cuisine. The menu is filled with tantalizing dishes, you won’t go wrong with any choice.
Reservations Required: 649-946-5369
COCO VAN
Coco Van ranks high on our first time visitors restaurant list. The sister restaurant to Coco Bistro, Coco Van sits just off the edge of the main restaurant parking lot. You might be thinking, oh, that's weird. It's not, it's just as cool and funky as Coco Bistro is elegant and glam. The best way for us to describe Coco Van is “food truck fine dining.” This stand alone Airstream dishes up exquisite cuisine from Tuna Tartar to Big Mac Egg Rolls. And trust us when we say everything on this menu is incredible. Order a variety of dishes to share and sample as many of these great eats as possible. And keep an eye out for Vanna The Cat, she's one lux life, fine dining kitty!
DA CONCH SHACK
Located in the Blue Hills area (about a 15/20 minute drive), Da Conch Shack is a one of a kind beach bar and restaurant serving all your favorite conch dishes and other exquisite island favorites. From Cracked Conch, to Mahi Mahi with tropical salsa, be sure to add this to your list of must visit restaurants in Turks and Caicos. Wednesday nights are popular, hosting live music and entertainers. You can shop souvenirs, hot sauce and apparel at Da Conch Shack. This is also a fun location for some great photo opportunities.
Reservations Recommended For Wednesdays: 649-946-8877
INDIGO
We cannot say enough about the exceptional food and service at Indigo. Indigo is an unforgettable, Five Star dining experience that will elevate your restaurant game for life. Indigo is a high end restaurant without the pretentious atmosphere which also made our Romantic Restaurant List. You will feel welcomed and you will enjoy a hearty and spectacular meal. If you are planning a fancy night out for a special occasion, definitely add Indigo to your list. Indigo is located at the Wymara Resort so you will need a taxi if you haven't rented a car. Click to enjoy our full review of Indigo.
Reservations Recommended: Booking link
JUST TACOS
Just Tacos is a beach pop up Taco Stand located at Grace Bay Club. You can access Just Tacos from the beach or through the resort. Andre and Garth serve up some insane tacos! They are pricey (like most things in TCI), but they are so, so good! The snapper and shrimp tacos are some of our faves. We love popping by for a mid afternoon nibble and a ‘Pain Killer”. Ask Garth for one of those! It's such a fun little spot especially when Garth is in full Country Singer Mode, you'll be singing and dancing before you know it! Especially if you have more than one Pain Killer! It's a great beach vibe!
MANGO REEF
We talk about Mango Reef a lot. It's safe to say it's one of our favorite restaurants in Turks and Caicos and one of our most visited Date Night spots. It's located at the Turtle Cove Marina, so a short drive from the main Grace Bay Area. Mango Reef is a large open flow restaurant situated right on the waters edge. The menu is extensive and it's fair to say we've tried pretty much everything on it! The Thai Curry Shrimp and Seafood Pasta are a couple of our go to's. Go hungry, the portions are healthy and the taste, delicious. Be sure to leave room for the Mango Cheesecake Dessert! Click to enjoy our full review of Mango Reef.
SOMEWHERE CAFE
Somewhere Cafe and Lounge is a definite must among our must try restaurants in Turks and Caicos for first time visitors. Not only does it serve up the most amazing ‘Dirty Fries”, it's located right in front of Bight Reef, a protected reef directly off the shoreline of Grace Bay Beach. You can snorkel FOR FREE and have the added bonus of grabbing lunch or dinner at Somewhere Cafe. The Tex-Mex menu offers fresh seafood faves and nachos, along with some incredible BBQ eats! Perfect for grabbing a few appetizers after snorkeling or for a hearty meal after a day in the sun. Somewhere is located in Coral Gardens resort, a short drive from central Grace Bay.
THE DECK
The Deck is the perfect spot for lunch when you're not willing to drag yourself away from the beauty of Grace Bay Beach. Located in the heart of it all at Seven Stars Resort, you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails and dine from their extensive menu. Burgers, wraps, salads and fresh fish entrees, everything is available at The Deck. A kids menu is available making it a great option for those with kiddos eager to head back to the beach. The Deck is also a great spot to have that “one for the road” on your way back to the airport. No better view to have as your last memory (for your first trip) in Turks and Caicos.
MR GROUPERS
This little gem sometimes gets overlooked due to its location. Though it's not in the centre of Grace Bay, it's simply a little ways south from The Sands Resort and next door to The Local Fish Fry location (still walk able if you're up for a little jaunt). The locals themselves have named Mr Groupers the best local restaurant on The Island and we can't say we disagree. All your traditional favorites including one of ours, Coconut Shrimp. To die for! With two dining decks there's plenty of room for larger groups to book a table. Again, don't let the location fool you, Mr Groupers is gooooood!!
TRIBE
For those of you looking for healthy, hearty and delicious, then Tribe is your go to! Everything is made from scratch, everything. Arrive in the morning for breakfast and take away a fresh loaf and some decadent pastries. Stop in for a gourmet sandwich for lunch or take one to go. AND if that isn't enough, you can get a full Sunday Roast Dinner (with reservations). Tribe is Definitely very high on our must try restaurants in Turks and Caicos list. It's a little pricier than other lunch spots but you're paying for the superior, made from scratch menu items and you will be full. You can also pre order an ‘Airport To Go” box for your trip home. You'll pick it up on the way to the airport, head through security and dine on one last delicious during your flight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, all exceptional!
TURKS KEBAB
Ridiculously delicious food that doesn’t break the budget. Turks Kebab is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Simple, healthy and incredible tasting Mediterranean classics mixed in with a few of your Island favorites. Turks Kebab is very causal but the quality of food AND the price is what makes this restaurant stand out above so many others. We usually visit Turks Kebab (or do take away) at least twice each visit! There's a little something for everyone at Turks Kebab. You can read our full review of Turks Kebab and see what all the hype is about. Go hungry!
BUT WAIT! WE HAVE ONE MORE!
BONUS OPTION
The Island Fish Fry! We can't talk about must visit restaurants in Turks and Caicos and not talk about The Fish Fry. Though not technically a restaurant, The Fish Fry is located in the empty lot next to Mr Groupers and runs every Thursday Night. Food vendors and local artisans set the stage for The Fish Fry and let us tell you, you are in for some great food and great fun. A must if this is your first visit to Turks and Caicos. Most vendors take credit cards, but we'd suggest taking some cash just in case. Go hungry and ready for fun, live music and entertainment will be in full swing every Thursday at The Fish Fry.
This list of must try restaurants in Turks and Caicos includes the restaurants we feel you should try on your first visit to Turks and Caicos. We want you to explore and discover your own favorites, and simply hope this list will get your started.
Other Restaurant Reads you might be interested in:
- Budget Friendly Restaurants in Turks and Caicos
- Romantic Restaurants in Turks and Caicos
- Great Restaurants Away From Central Grace Bay
We hope our list gives you plenty to chew on! If you like what you read, give us a share!